Just two weeks before his murder trial was set to begin, Brian Walshe was ordered on Monday to undergo a 20-day mental health evaluation at Bridgewater State Hospital, according to court documents.

Norfolk County Judge Diane Freniere set the next competency hearing for Oct. 27, a week after the trial had been scheduled to start on Oct. 20.

Ana Walshe, a Cohasset mother of three, went missing around New Year’s Day 2023. Prosecutors allege her husband, Brian Walshe, killed and dismembered her before disposing of her remains.

Prosecutors cite evidence that he searched online for information about dead bodies and bought a hacksaw , hatchet, and cleaning supplies shortly after her disappearance. Police have never found Ana Walshe’s body.

Walshe pleaded not guilty to first-degree murde

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